Josep Garcia: How I Won Trèfle Lozérien AMV

Josep Garcia won round two of the World Enduro Super Series, France’s Trèfle Lozérien AMV, in undeniably confident style. From the outset, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider quickly established himself as the one to beat, topping four of the opening day’s five special tests.

Across the three days of racing, 15 special tests and 719 kilometres of riding in challenging weather, the Spaniard was fastest in nine tests leading him to ultimately secure a 42-second margin of victory.

That win – while marking the first time a non-French rider has won in the 33-year history of the race – also moves him to the top of the championship standings as the early rider to beat in this year’s race to become the ULTIMATE ENDURO CHAMPION.

Josep Garcia on…

…Learning From Experience

“Although I won this year, I feel like I also rode a strong race in 2018. But the big difference was that I crashed on the first test last year and lost 20 seconds as a result. That was where I feel like I lost the race. I pushed hard during the following days to come back to third, but it was impossible to win. So, I learned that it was important to stay on two wheels. I went a little slower on the first test and kept it safer and the result showed.”

…Being Adaptable Is Key In Enduro

“Spanish riders are not really known for their mud riding skills and to be honest nobody really likes riding in it. But I think I might be the exception. When I was a child I always trained if it was raining – I went out and rode my bike. Now I don’t care if it’s wet or dry because I feel good in all situations. And I think that’s key to being successful in Enduro – being adaptable. Now, as I’m older, I can see that investment working for me.”

…Being Aggressive In The Mud But Knowing The Limits

“In muddy conditions like we had at Trèfle Lozérien you need to adapt your riding style. You need to be aggressive, but not overly aggressive. It’s better to brake one metre early than late – otherwise you start to miss corners and crash. One very important thing to change in your riding is how you brake. You need to brake upright, in a straight line and finish your braking before entering the corner. So many people forget this. If you try to brake and turn at the same time then for sure you will crash.”

…Leading The 2019 Championship

“It’s a strange feeling to be leading the championship after round two. It’s not something I thought might happen. I knew I could be competitive here in France, but Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares was tough. But you know, with Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble next on the list and then Hixpania Hard Enduro it’s also something I’m not getting too comfortable with. It’s cool to be leading, but it’s still only round two of eight. There’s a very long way to go just yet and it’s leading at the end of the year that counts the most.”

…Coming Home To Race In Spain

 “The BR2 Enduro Solsona is literally a local race for me. It’s only about 30 minutes from my home, so it’s one I’m probably looking forward to the most. It’s going to be cool to race a round of WESS near my house because my family and friends will be there to support me, too. Also, as the penultimate round of the championship it comes at an important time in the season. I need to take that opportunity and push for the win to score maximum points.”

The eight-round World Enduro Super Series continues with round three at Austria’s Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble on May 30-June 2.

Photo credit: Future7Media